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Royal Mail Rollout of Solar-Powered Parcel Postboxes Takes Some Boxes Out of Service

The upgrade responds to rising parcel volumes, with several-week installations that leave boxes wrapped for protection.

Overview

  • Multiple pillar boxes across the UK have been taped or wrapped with notices as they undergo conversion to automated, parcel-capable units.
  • The new boxes include a barcode scanner, a drop-down drawer for parcels up to shoebox size, a separate letter slot, and solar panels to power the system.
  • Royal Mail is targeting 3,500 installations nationwide by spring, with Bristol Live reporting more than 50 already in the BS postcode area.
  • The company says it will not publish future installation locations because site plans can change during the rollout.
  • Royal Mail recently warned of possible short-term delays across 100-plus postcodes due to January storms and higher-than-usual sick absence, alongside public complaints about slower letter deliveries.